Solid-state electrolyte and method of manufacture thereof

ABSTRACT

A method of manufacturing a solid-state electrolyte including: providing a solvent; dissolving a precursor compound including lithium, a precursor compound including lanthanum, and a precursor compound including zirconium in the solvent to provide a precursor composition, wherein a content of lithium in the precursor composition is greater than a stoichiometric amount; spraying the precursor composition onto a heated substrate to form a film; and heat-treating the film at 300° C. to 800° C. to manufacture the solid state electrolyte, wherein the solid-state electrolyte includes Li(7-x)Alx/3La3Zr2O12 wherein 0≤x≤1, and wherein the solid state electrolyte is in a form a film having a thickness of 5 nanometers to 1000 micrometers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/713,366, filed on Aug. 1, 2018, in the United States Patent andTrademark Office, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35U.S.C. § 119, the content of which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Disclosed is a solid-state lithium-ion conductor, a method of making thesolid-state lithium-ion conductor, and a lithium battery including thesame.

2. Description of the Related Art

A battery including a solid-state electrolyte can potentially offerimproved safety, and in some configurations provide improved specificenergy and energy density. Garnet-type oxides can provide promisinglithium-ion conductivity. It would thus be desirable to use agarnet-type oxide electrolyte in a solid-state lithium-ion battery.However, there remains a need for a scalable method to manufacture agarnet-type electrolyte in a suitable form which also provides suitablelithium-ion conductivity.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a solid-state electrolyteincluding: providing a solvent; dissolving a precursor compoundincluding lithium, a precursor compound including lanthanum, and aprecursor compound including zirconium in the solvent to provide aprecursor composition, wherein a content of lithium in the precursorcomposition is greater than a stoichiometric amount; spraying theprecursor composition onto a heated substrate to form a film; andheat-treating the film at 300° C. to 800° C. to manufacture thesolid-state electrolyte, wherein the solid-state electrolyte includesLi_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ wherein 0≤x≤1, wherein the solid stateelectrolyte is in a form a film having a thickness of 5 nanometers to1000 micrometers.

Also disclosed is a solid-state electrolyte film including cubicLi_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ wherein 0≤x≤1, wherein a thickness of thefilm is 5 nanometers to 1000 micrometers.

Also disclosed is a lithium battery including the solid-stateelectrolyte in at least one of a positive electrode, a separator, or anegative electrode.

The above described and other features are exemplified by the followingfigures and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other advantages and features of this disclosure willbecome more apparent by describing in further detail exemplaryembodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing asolid-state electrolyte by spray pyrolysis;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are scanning electron micrographs of a surface of asolid-state electrolyte manufactured in the Example;

FIGS. 2C and 2D are scanning electron micrographs showing the results ofcross-section analysis of the films of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 3 is a graph of intensity (arbitrary units, a.u.) versus wavenumber(inverse centimeters, cm⁻¹) showing the results of Raman analysis of thesolid-state electrolyte of the Example before and after annealing, andfor reference Raman spectra of cubic lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide(c-LLZO), tetragonal lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (t-LLZO),La₂Zr₂O₇ and Li₂CO₃;

FIG. 4 is a graph of intensity (arbitrary units, a.u.) versusdiffraction angle (degrees two-theta, 2θ) showing the results of X-raydiffraction analysis of the solid-state electrolyte of the Examplebefore and after annealing, and for reference the MgO substrate andc-LLZO;

FIG. 5 is an optical photograph of the solid-state electrolyte of theExample showing pin-holes in the film;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electrochemicalcell; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of anelectrochemical cell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO) garnet-type solid-stateelectrolytes are currently synthesized by either bulk-type methods,e.g., sintering a pressed pellet, or sintering a compressed tape. Theproducts of the bulk-type methods can have desirable conductivity,however the processing temperatures, while suitable for laboratorysetting, exceed those desirable for a manufacturing environment, andfilms of a solid-state electrolyte produced by bulk-type methods arerelatively thick, resulting in undesirably low conductivity.Alternatively, methods to provide thin-films of LLZO by vacuumtechniques are known, however such methods are economically unsuitablefor scalable production.

Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a solid-state electrolytecomprising: providing a solvent; dissolving a compound comprisinglithium, a compound comprising lanthanum, and a compound comprisingzirconium in the solvent to provide a solution, wherein a content of thelithium compound is greater than a stoichiometric amount; spraying thesolution onto a heated substrate to form a film; and heat-treating thefilm at 300° C. to 800° C. to manufacture the solid state electrolyte,wherein the solid-state electrolyte comprisesLi_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ wherein 0≤x≤1, and wherein the solid stateelectrolyte is in a form a film having a thickness of 5 nanometers to1000 micrometers. The disclosed method provides films having a selectedthickness, desirable conductivity, and selective surface morphology.Also, the disclosed method is scalable and can have a cost which issuitable for a manufacturing environment.

A schematic diagram of an apparatus 100 for the disclosed method isshown in FIG. 1. The disclosed apparatus includes an atomizer 110 foratomizing a composition for forming the solid-electrolyte, a droplettransport region 120 between the atomizer and a substrate 130, and aheated surface 140 beneath the substrate.

The composition for forming the solid-state electrolyte may be asolution, a suspension, or a combination thereof of the precursor in thesolvent. In an embodiment, the composition is a solution of theprecursor in the solvent.

The solvent may comprise a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C20alcohol, a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C20 ester, a substitutedor unsubstituted C2 to C20 carbonate, a substituted or unsubstituted C1to C20 ketone, or a combination thereof.

Use of a substituted or unsubstituted alcohol, a substituted orunsubstituted ester, a substituted or unsubstituted carbonate, asubstituted or unsubstituted ketone, or a combination thereof ismentioned. In an embodiment, the solvent comprises a substituted orunsubstituted C1 to C6 alcohol, a substituted or unsubstitutedphthalate, or a combination thereof. Use of a substituted alcohol, e.g.,methoxy propanol, and a phthalate are mentioned. In an embodiment,disclosed is a composition for forming the solid-state electrolytecomprising a solution of the starting materials in methanol,1-methoxy-2-propanol, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.

Mentioned is an embodiment in which the solvent comprises a C1 to C2alcohol, e.g., methanol, a C3 to C5 alcohol, e.g., 1-methyl-2-propanol,and a phthalate, e.g., bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate. The C1 to C2 alcohol,the C3 to C5 alcohol, and the phthalate may be combined in any suitableratio. A content of the C1 to C2 alcohol, the C3 to C5 alcohol, and thephthalate may be independently selected and each may be 1 to 99 volumepercent (vol %), 2 to 98 vol %, 4 to 92 vol %, or 8 to 75 vol %, basedon a total volume of the solvent. An embodiment in which equal volumesof the C1 to C2 alcohol, the C3 to C5 alcohol, and the phthalate areused as mentioned.

A boiling point of the solvent can be 0° C. to 350° C., 5° C. to 325°C., 10° C. to 300° C., or 20° C. to 250° C. In an embodiment, thesolvent has a boiling point between 80° C. and 240° C.

The precursor of the solid-state electrolyte comprises a compoundcomprising lithium, a compound comprising lanthanum, and a compoundcomprising zirconium, and the solvent. The solvent may dissolve thecompound comprising lithium, the compound comprising lanthanum, and thecompound comprising zirconium to provide a solution, wherein a contentof the lithium compound is greater than a stoichiometric amount. Also,the precursor may further comprise a compound comprising aluminum. Alsoa suspension is disclosed. In an embodiment, at least one of thecompound comprising lithium, the compound comprising lanthanum, and thecompound comprising zirconium is not fully dissolved in the solvent toprovide a suspension.

Suitable compounds for the precursor include an oxide, hydroxide,nitrate, carbonate, oxalate, peroxide, acetate, acetylacetonate, or acombination thereof. The precursor may comprise lithium, lanthanum,zirconium, and optionally aluminum. In an embodiment, the precursorcomprises a plurality of lithium, lanthanum, zirconium, and optionallyaluminum.

Representative precursor compounds comprising lithium include lithiumoxide, lithium hydroxide, lithium nitrate, lithium carbonate, lithiumoxalate, lithium peroxide, lithium acetate, lithium acetoacetate, or acombination thereof.

Representative precursor compounds comprising lanthanum includelanthanum oxide, lanthanum hydroxide, lanthanum nitrate, lanthanumcarbonate, lanthanum oxalate, lanthanum peroxide, lanthanum acetate,lanthanum acetoacetate, or a combination thereof.

Representative precursor compounds comprising zirconium includezirconium oxide, zirconium hydroxide, zirconium nitrate, zirconiumcarbonate, zirconium oxalate, zirconium peroxide, zirconium acetate,zirconium acetoacetate, or a combination thereof.

Representative precursor compounds comprising aluminum include aluminumoxide, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum nitrate, aluminum carbonate,aluminum oxalate, aluminum peroxide, aluminum acetate, aluminumacetoacetate, or a combination thereof.

Also disclosed are precursor compounds that provide a combination oflithium, lanthanum, or zirconium, and optionally aluminum.

If desired, the precursor may be a hydrate. For example, use ofLa(NO₃)₃.6H₂O or Al(NO₃)₃.9H2O is mentioned.

The concentration of the precursor compound in the solvent may be aconcentration which is suitable for spray pyrolysis. In an embodiment,the concentration of the precursor compound in the solvent is 0.001 to 1molar (M), 0.01 to 0.5 M, or 0.05 to 0.1 M. Use of a precursorconcentration of 0.01 to 0.05 M is mentioned.

The precursor composition may comprise a stoichiometric excess of thecompound comprising lithium, based on a stoichiometry forLi_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ wherein 0≤x≤1. The stoichiometric excess ofthe compound comprising lithium may be 10% to 300%, 20% to 250%, or 40%to 200%, based on a stoichiometry for Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂wherein 0≤x≤1. Use of a stoichiometric of 150% for the compoundcomprising lithium in the precursor composition is mentioned.

In the disclosed method, the precursor composition is disposed onto aheated substrate. The disposing may comprise atomizing the precursorcomposition, and spraying the resulting fluid onto the heated substrate.The spraying may comprise disposing 1 to 100 milliliter (mL), 5 to 50mL, or 10 to 25 mL of the precursor composition onto the heatedsubstrate per square centimeter of heated substrate per hour.

The substrate may comprise any suitable material. A substrate comprisingmagnesia, alumina, silica, indium tin oxide, zinc oxide, indium tin zincoxide, SiC, Ti, Ni, stainless steel, or combination thereof isdisclosed. Use of a substrate comprising MgO is mentioned.

A temperature of the heated substrate may be 300° C. to 800° C., 350° C.to 750° C., 400° C. to 700° C., or 450° C. to 650° C. Use of a substrateheated to 600° C. is mentioned.

The substrate may be heated by any suitable method including convectionheating, infrared heating, or a combination thereof.

In the disclosed method, a film comprising Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂wherein 0≤x≤1 and having a thickness of 5 nanometers (nm) to 1000micrometers (m) is formed on the heated substrate. The thickness of thefilm may be 10 nm to 100 μm, 20 nm to 10 μm, or 0.1 μm to 1 μm.

The film maybe heat-treated at a temperature of 300° C. to 800° C., 350°C. to 750° C., 400° C. to 700° C., or 450° C. to 650° C. Heat-treatingat 750° C. is mentioned.

An atmosphere of the heat treating may comprise nitrogen, argon, helium,hydrogen, or a combination thereof, and may be a reducing atmospherecomprising hydrogen, or an oxidizing atmosphere comprising oxygen, e.g.,air. In an embodiment, the heat-treating is conducted in an atmospherehaving a content of oxygen which is greater than that of air.

The film comprising Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ may have a desirablesurface roughness. A surface roughness (Ra) of the solid-stateelectrolyte may be 0.1 to 50 μm, 0.5 to 25 μm, or 1 to 10 μm. Surfaceroughness can be measured using a commercially available surfaceprofilometer.

Cubic, tetragonal, and amorphous Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ can beprovided by the disclosed method. Because cubicLi_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ provides improved ionic conductivity, cubicLi_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is for many applications desirable. In anembodiment, a content of the cubic Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is 50 to100 weight percent (wt %), a content of the tetragonalLi_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is 0 to 50 wt %, and a content of theamorphous Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is 0 to 100 wt %, each based on atotal content of the solid-state electrolyte. In an embodiment, acontent of the cubic Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is 60 to 99 wt %, acontent of the tetragonal Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is 1 to 50 wt %,and a content of the amorphous Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is 1 to 99 wt%, each based on a total content of the solid-state electrolyte. In yetanother embodiment, a content of the cubic Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂is 70 to 95 wt %, a content of the tetragonalLi_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is 0 to 50 wt %, and a content of theamorphous Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is 10 to 30 wt %, each based on atotal content of the solid-state electrolyte. An embodiment in which acontent of the cubic Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ in the solid-stateelectrolyte is 80 to 100 wt %, based on a total weight of thesolid-state electrolyte, is mentioned.

The solid-state electrolyte may have a porosity of 0 to 10%, 0.1 to 8%,or 0.2 to 4%, based on a total volume of the solid-state electrolyte.Embodiment in which the porosity is 0 to 0.2%, based on a total volumeof the solid-state electrolyte is mentioned. The porosity may bedetermined by scanning electron microscopy, the details of which can bedetermined by one of skill in the art without undue experimentation.

A feature of the disclosed method is that it provides solid-stateelectrolyte films having unexpectedly reduced or effectively no defectcontent. A defect content of the film can be 0 to 5 percent (%), 0.01 to3%, or 0.1 to 1%, based on a total area of the film. A defect contentmay be determined by illuminating light through a film and determiningan area of the film that does not contain the solid-state electrolyte.Alternatively, the defect content can be determined by scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM).

Also disclosed is a lithium battery comprising the solid-stateelectrolyte in at least one of a positive electrode, a separator, or anegative electrode. As shown in the electrochemical cell 600 of FIG. 6,the negative electrode 610 can be used in combination with a positiveelectrode 630 comprising the positive active material and a separator620, e.g., a separator comprising the solid-state electrolyte, providedbetween the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Also shown inFIG. 6 is a header 640 on a can 650.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, an electrochemical cell 700may comprise a porous separator on the solid-state electrolyte. Shown inFIG. 7 is a positive electrode current collector 710, a positiveelectrode 720 comprising a positive electrode active material and aliquid electrolyte, a porous separator 730, the solid-state electrolyte740, a negative electrode 750, and a negative electrode currentcollector 760.

The positive electrode can be prepared by forming a positive activematerial layer including a positive active material on a currentcollector. The current collector may comprise aluminum, for example.

The positive active material can comprise a lithium transition metaloxide, a transition metal sulfide, or the like. For example, thepositive active material can include a composite oxide of lithium and ametal selected from cobalt, manganese, and nickel. For example, thepositive active material can be a compound represented by any of theFormulas: Li_(a)A_(1-b)M_(b)D₂ wherein 0.90≤a≤1.8 and 0≤b≤0.5;Li_(a)E_(1-b)M_(b)O_(2-c)D_(c) wherein 0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, and0≤c≤0.05; LiE_(2-b)M_(b)O_(4-c)D_(c) wherein 0≤b≤0.5 and 0≤c≤0.05;Li_(a)Ni_(1-b-c)Co_(b)M_(c)D_(α) wherein 0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05,and 0≤α≤2; Li_(a)Ni_(1-b-c)Co_(b)M_(c)O_(2-α)X_(α) wherein 0.90≤a≤1.8,0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05, and 0≤α≤2; Li_(a)Ni_(1-b-c)CO_(b)M_(c)O_(2-α)X₂wherein 0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05, and 0<α<2;Li_(a)Ni_(1-b-c)Mn_(b)M_(c)D_(α) wherein 0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05,and 0<α≤2; Li_(a)Ni_(1-b-c)Mn_(b)M_(c)O_(2-a)X_(α) wherein 0.90≤a≤1.8,0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05, and 0<α<2; Li_(a)Ni_(1-b-c)Mn_(b)M_(c)O_(2-α)X₂wherein 0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05, and 0<α<2;Li_(a)Ni_(b)E_(c)G_(d)O₂ wherein 0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, and0.001≤d≤0.1; Li_(a)Ni_(b)Co_(c)Mn_(d)GeO₂ wherein 0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9,0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, and 0.001≤e≤0.1; Li_(a)NiG_(b)O₂ wherein 0.90≤a≤1.8and 0.001≤b≤0.1; Li_(a)CoG_(b)O₂ wherein 0.90≤a≤1.8 and 0.001≤b≤0.1;Li_(a)MnG_(b)O₂ where 0.90≤a≤1.8 and 0.001≤b≤0.1; Li_(a)Mn₂G_(b)O₄wherein 0.90≤a≤1.8 and 0.001≤b≤0.1; QO₂; QS₂; LiQS₂; V₂O₅; LiV₂O₂;LiRO₂; LiNiVO₄; Li_((3-f))J₂(PO₄)₃ (0≤f≤2); Li_((3-f))Fe₂(PO₄)₃ wherein0≤f≤2; and LiFePO₄, in which in the foregoing positive active materialsA is Ni, Co, or Mn; M is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, or arare-earth element; D is O, F, S, or P; E is Co or Mn; X is F, S, or P;G is Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, or V; Q is Ti, Mo or Mn; R is Cr,V, Fe, Sc, or Y; and J is V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, or Cu. Examples of thepositive active material include LiCoO₂, LiMn_(x)O_(2x) where x=1 or 2,LiNi_(1-x)Mn_(x)O_(2x) where 0<x<1, LiNi_(1-x-y)Co_(x)Mn_(y)O₂ where0≤x≤0.5 and 0≤y≤0.5, LiFePO₄, TiS₂, FeS₂, TiS₃, and FeS₃.

The positive active material layer may further include a conductiveagent and a binder. Any suitable conductive agent and binder may beused.

A binder can facilitate adherence between components of the electrode,such as the positive active material and the conductor, and adherence ofthe electrode to a current collector. Examples of the binder can includepolyacrylic acid (PAA), polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol,carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose,regenerated cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene,polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM),sulfonated EPDM, styrene-butadiene-rubber, fluorinated rubber, acopolymer thereof, or a combination thereof. The amount of the bindercan be in a range of about 1 part by weight to about 10 parts by weight,for example, in a range of about 2 parts by weight to about 7 parts byweight, based on a total weight of the positive active material. Whenthe amount of the binder is in the range above, e.g., about 1 part byweight to about 10 parts by weight, the adherence of the electrode tothe current collector may be suitably strong.

The conductive agent can include, for example, carbon black, carbonfiber, graphite, carbon nanotubes, graphene, or a combination thereof.The carbon black can be, for example, acetylene black, Ketjen black,Super P carbon, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, thermal black,or a combination thereof. The graphite can be a natural graphite or anartificial graphite. A combination comprising at least one of theforegoing conductive agents can be used. The positive electrode canadditionally include an additional conductor other than the carbonaceousconductor described above. The additional conductor can be anelectrically conductive fiber, such as a metal fiber; a metal powdersuch as a fluorinated carbon powder, an aluminum powder, or a nickelpowder; a conductive whisker such as a zinc oxide or a potassiumtitanate; or a polyphenylene derivative. A combination comprising atleast one of the foregoing additional conductors can be used.

The positive active material layer may be prepared by a solid-statemethod such as screen printing, slurry casting, or powder compression.However, the solid-state method is not limited thereto, and any suitablemethod may be used. The current collector may comprise aluminum, forexample.

The positive electrode can further comprise an electrolyte. Whenpresent, the electrolyte can comprise a solid-state electrolyte, aliquid electrolyte, a polymeric electrolyte, or a combination thereof.The liquid electrolyte may comprise a lithium salt and a solvent.Representative lithium salts include LiN(SO₂CF₂CF₃)₂, LiBF₄, LiPF₆,LiSbF₆, LiAsF₆, LiClO₄, LiCF₃SO₃, LiN(SO₂CF₃)₂, LiN(SO₂C₂F₅)₂,LiC(SO₂CF₃)₃, LiN(SO₃CF₃)₂, LiC₄F₉SO₃, LiAlCl₄, NaAsF₆, or a combinationthereof. The solvent may comprise a carbonate, an ester, an ether, aketone, an alcohol, or a combination thereof. The carbonate may belinear or cyclic, and may be fluorinated. Representative carbonatesinclude at least one selected from diethyl carbonate (“DEC”), dimethylcarbonate (“DMC”), dipropyl carbonate (“DPC”), methyl propyl carbonate(“MPC”), ethyl propyl carbonate (“EPC”), methyl ethyl carbonate (“MEC”),or a combination thereof, and the cyclic carbonate compound may be, forexample, ethylene carbonate (“EC”), propylene carbonate (“PC”), butylenecarbonate (“BC”), vinyl ethylene carbonate (“VEC”), fluoroethylenecarbonate (“FEC”), 4,5-difluoroethylene carbonate, 4,4-difluoroethylenecarbonate, 4,4,5-trifluoroethylene carbonate,4,4,5,5-tetrafluoroethylene carbonate, 4-fluoro-5-methylethylenecarbonate, 4-fluoro-4-methylethylene carbonate, 4,5-difluoro-4-methylethylene carbonate, 4,4,5-trifluoro-5-methylethylene carbonate, andtrifluoromethyl ethylene carbonate. Representative esters include atleast one selected from methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate,dimethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, γ-butyrolactone,decanolide, valerolactone, mevalonolactone, caprolactone, and methylformate. Representative ethers include at least one selected fromdibutyl ether, tetraglyme, diglyme, 1,2-dimethoxy ethane, 1,2-diethoxyethane, ethoxy methoxy ethane, 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, andtetrahydrofuran. A representative ketone is cyclohexanone.Representative alcohols include methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, andbutanol. The solvent may comprise a nitrile, such as a C1 to C20nitrile; an amide such as formamide or dimethyl formamide; a dioxolanesuch as 1,2-dioxolane or 1,3-dioxolane; a sulfolane such as dimethylsulfoxide, sulfolane, or methyl sulfolane; 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolinone;N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone; nitromethane; trimethyl phosphate; triethylphosphate; trioctyl phosphate; or triester phosphate. A concentration ofthe salt in the solvent may be 0.1 to 2 molar (M), e.g., 0.5 to 1.5 M.

The polymeric electrolyte may comprise an ionically conductive polymer.Exemplary ionically conductive polymers can include but are not limitedto polyethylene oxide, polyethylene oxide comprising a metal salt,poly(methyl (meth)acrylate), polypropylene oxide, polyvinylidenefluoride, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol,polyacrylonitrile, polyester sulfide, or a combination thereof. Theionically conductive polymer can optionally further comprise a lithiumsalt, for example LiN(SO₂CF₂CF₃)₂, LiBF₄, LiPF₆, LiSbF₆, LiAsF₆, LiClO₄,LiCF₃SO₃, LiN(SO₂CF₃)₂, LiN(SO₂C₂F₅)₂, LiC(SO₂CF₃)₃, LiN(SO₃CF₃)₂,LiC₄F₉SO₃, LiAlCl₄, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, theionically conductive polymer comprises the lithium salt, and ispreferably a polyethylene oxide comprising the lithium salt.

The separator may be included between the positive electrode andnegative electrode. In an embodiment the separator consists of thesolid-state electrolyte. In an embodiment the separator comprises aglass fiber, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene,polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or a combination thereof. In anembodiment the separator may comprise a microporous polymeric film, suchas a microporous polyethylene or microporous polypropylene film. In anembodiment the separator comprises the solid-state electrolyte and aporous olefin film such as polyethylene and polypropylene. A diameter ofa pore of the porous olefin film can be 0.01 to 10 micrometers (μm), anda thickness of the separator can be in a range of 5 to 300 μm.

In an embodiment, provided is a porous separator on the solid-stateelectrolyte. For example, the electrochemical cell may comprise a porousseparator 720 comprising a microporous polyethylene film having a poresize of 1 to 50 μm, 2 to 40 μm, or 5 to 30 μm, and a layer of thesolid-state electrolyte on the porous separator. The solid-stateelectrolyte may be liquid-impermeable, may be non-porous, or may have apore size of 0.01 to 1 μm, 0.05 to 0.5 μm.

The negative electrode can be produced from a negative active materialcomposition including a negative active material, and optionally, aconductive agent, and a binder. A suitable negative active materialincludes a material capable of storing and releasing lithium ionselectrochemically. Such negative electrode active material can a carbon,such as a hard carbon, soft carbon, carbon black, ketjen black,acetylene black, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, carbon fiber,graphite, or an amorphous carbon. Also usable are lithium-containingmetals and alloys, for example a lithium alloy comprising Si, Sn, Sb,Ge, or a combination thereof. Lithium-containing metal oxides, metalnitrides, and metal sulfides are also useful, in particular whereinmetal can be Ti, Mo, Sn, Fe, Sb, Co, V, or a combination thereof. Alsouseable are phosphorous (P) or metal doped phosphorous (e.g., NiP₃). Thenegative active material is not limited to the foregoing and anysuitable negative active material can be used. In an embodiment thenegative active material is disposed on a current collector, such ascopper current collector.

In an embodiment, the negative electrode comprises graphite. In anembodiment, the negative electrode comprises lithium metal or a lithiummetal alloy. Use of lithium metal is mentioned.

The electrochemical cell can be made by a method comprising disposingthe solid-state electrolyte film between a positive electrode and anegative electrode and inserting the assembly into a can, for example,to provide the electrochemical cell.

Example

Materials: reagents were used as received without further purification.LiNO₃ (≥99%), Zirconium(IV) acetylacetonate (97%), and1-methoxy-2-propanol (≥99.5%) were purchased from SIGMA-ALDRICH;Al(NO₃)₃.9H₂O, La(NO₃)₃.6H₂O (99.99%), and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalatewere purchased from ALFA AESAR; Methanol was purchased from VWRINTERNATIONAL. Polished MgO (100) substrates (10×10×0.5 mm) werepurchased from MTI CORPORATION.

Synthesis of precursor solutions: precursor solutions were prepared bydissolving stoichiometric ratios of La, Al, and Zr salts and a 150%stoichiometric excess of the Li salt in amethanol:1-methoxy-2-propanol:bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (33:33:33 vol%) solution. The precursor solutions were stirred overnight for at least12 hours.

Manufacture of thin films of solid-state electrolytes: the precursorsolutions were loaded into a polypropylene syringe and pumped at 5 to 30mL/hour into a spray gun (DEVILBLISS AG361). The spray gun usedcompressed air as a carrier gas with a pressure at the atomizer of 0.3kPa. MgO substrates were placed on a heated stainless steel hot plate.The substrate temperature ranged from 270 to 330° C., and the distancebetween the MgO substrate and the atomizer was approximately 24 cm.

Characterization: the solid-state electrolyte films were analyzed usingscanning electron microscopy (SEM) on a ZEISS Supra55VP field emissionscanning electron microscope operated between 3.0 to 10.0 kV using boththe In-lens SE and the Everhart-Thornley SE detectors. The solid-stateelectrolyte films were cross sectioned with a diamond blade and attachedto a sample stage via carbon-conductive tape.

X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed using a PANalytical X'pert ProPowder Diffractometer with Cu Kα radiation (λ=1.54056 Å).

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra were collected using aTHERMO K-Alpha XPS system with a spot size of 400 μm and a resolution of0.1 eV.

Raman spectroscopy analysis was completed using a WITec spectrometerwith a spectral resolution of 0.7 cm⁻¹ at 10 mW and a wavelength of 532nm to ensure low penetration depths.

Shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are results of surface analysis of two films,and shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the results of cross-section analysis ofthe films of FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively, wherein each film comprisesLi_(6.25)Al_(0.25)La₃Zr₂O₁₂, and each was prepared using an injectionrate of 10 milliliters per hour of a 0.03 M precursor solution onto a 1cm² MgO substrate, prior to annealing at 800° C. for 30 minutes under aflow of oxygen. As shown in the cross-section images, films have athickness of 2-5 μm.

Shown in FIG. 3 are the results of the Raman analysis after annealing(top result), before annealing, and reference spectra for cubic andtetragonal Li_(6.25)Al_(0.25)La₃Zr₂O₁₂, La₂Zr₂O₇, and LiCO₃. As shown inFIG. 3, Li_(6.25)Al_(0.25)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ was observed only after annealing.Also, shown in FIG. 4 are the results of X-ray powder diffractionanalysis before and after annealing, as well as result for the MgOsubstrate and cubic Li_(6.25)Al_(0.25)La₃Zr₂O₁₂. CuK_(α) radiation wasused. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, annealing resulted in in conversion oftetragonal to cubic Li_(6.25)Al_(0.25)La₃Zr₂O₁₂.

Shown in FIG. 5 is an optical image of the Li_(6.25)Al_(0.25)La₃Zr₂O₁₂solid-state electrolyte. As shown in FIG. 5, few defects are observed.

Various embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. Thisinvention may, however, be embodied in many different forms, and shouldnot be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elementsthroughout.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”another element, it can be directly on the other element or interveningelements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element isreferred to as being “directly on” another element, there are nointervening elements present.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,”“third,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements,components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited bythese terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element,component, region, layer, or section from another element, component,region, layer or section. Thus, “a first element,” “component,”“region,” “layer,” or “section” discussed below could be termed a secondelement, component, region, layer or section without departing from theteachings herein.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms, including “at least one,” unless the content clearly indicatesotherwise. “At least one” is not to be construed as limiting “a” or“an.” “Or” means “and/or.” As used herein, the term “and/or” includesany and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or“comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, regions,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It willbe further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and thepresent disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized oroverly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to crosssection illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealizedembodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations asa result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances,are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described herein should not beconstrued as limited to the particular shapes of regions as illustratedherein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example,from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described asflat may, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover,sharp angles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regionsillustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes arenot intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are notintended to limit the scope of the present claims.

“Substituted” means that the compound is substituted with at least one(e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4) substituent, and the substituents areindependently a hydroxyl (—OH), a C1-9 alkoxy, a C1-9 haloalkoxy, an oxo(═O), a nitro (—NO₂), a cyano (—CN), an amino (—NH₂), an azido (—N₃), anamidino (—C(═NH)NH₂), a hydrazino (—NHNH₂), a hydrazono (═N—NH₂), acarbonyl (—C(═O)—), a carbamoyl group (—C(O)NH₂), a sulfonyl (—S(═O)₂—),a thiol (—SH), a thiocyano (—SCN), a tosyl (CH₃C₆H₄SO₂—), a carboxylicacid (—C(═O)OH), a carboxylic C1 to C6 alkyl ester (—C(═O)OR wherein Ris a C1 to C6 alkyl group), a C1 to C12 alkyl, a C3 to C12 cycloalkyl, aC2 to C12 alkenyl, a C5 to C12 cycloalkenyl, a C2 to C12 alkynyl, a C6to C12 aryl, a C7 to C13 arylalkylene, a C4 to C12 heterocycloalkyl, ora C3 to C12 heteroaryl instead of hydrogen, provided that thesubstituted atom's normal valence is not exceeded. The indicated numberof carbon atoms for any group herein is exclusive of any substituents.

While a particular embodiment has been described, alternatives,modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalentsthat are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants orothers skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed andas they may be amended are intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A solid state electrolyte film, comprising: cubicLi_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ wherein 0≤x≤1, and wherein a thickness ofthe film is 5 nanometers to 1000 micrometers.
 22. The solid stateelectrolyte film of claim 21, wherein the film has a thickness of 0.1 to10 micrometers.
 23. The solid state electrolyte film of claim 21,wherein a content of the cubic Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is 50 to 100weight percent, based on a total weight of the solid state electrolytefilm.
 24. The solid state electrolyte film of claim 21, wherein acontent of the cubic Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is 80 to 100 wt %,based on a total weight of the solid state electrolyte film.
 25. Thesolid state electrolyte film of claim 23, further comprising tetragonalLi_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂, and wherein a content of the tetragonalLi_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is greater than 0 weight percent to 50weight percent, based on a total weight of the solid state electrolytefilm.
 26. The solid state electrolyte film of claim 23, furthercomprising amorphous Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂.
 27. The solid stateelectrolyte film of claim 26, wherein a content of the cubicLi_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is 70 to 95 weight percent, and a content ofthe amorphous Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is 10 to 30 weight percent,each based on a total content of the solid state electrolyte film. 28.The solid state electrolyte film of claim 23, further comprisingtetragonal Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ and amorphousLi_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂.
 29. The solid state electrolyte film ofclaim 28, wherein a content of the cubic Li_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is70 to 95 weight percent, a content of the tetragonalLi_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is greater than 0 weight percent to 50weight percent, and a content of the amorphousLi_((7-x))Al_(x/3)La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is 10 to 30 weight percent, each based on atotal content of the solid state electrolyte film.
 30. The solid stateelectrolyte film of claim 21, wherein the film has a porosity of 0 to10%, when determined by scanning electron microscopy.
 31. The solidstate electrolyte film of claim 21, wherein the film has a surfaceroughness of 0.1 to 50 micrometers.
 32. The solid state electrolyte filmof claim 21, wherein a defect content of the film is 0 to 5 percent,based on a total area of the film.
 33. A lithium battery comprising thesolid state electrolyte film of claim 21 in at least one of a positiveelectrode, a separator, or a negative electrode.
 34. The lithium batteryof claim 33, wherein the separator is between the positive electrode andthe negative electrode.
 35. The lithium battery of claim 34, wherein theseparator comprises a microporous polymeric film and the solid stateelectrolyte film on the microporous polymeric film.
 36. The lithiumbattery of claim 33, wherein the positive electrode comprises a positiveelectrode active material and a liquid electrolyte.